Psalms 38:14

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth [are] no reproofs.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Yes, I've become like a man who doesn't hear and in whose mouth are no defenses.

Berean Standard Bible:

I am like a man who cannot hear, whose mouth offers no reply.

American Standard Version:

Yea, I am as a man that heareth not, And in whose mouth are no reproofs.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Thus I was as a man^{H376} that heareth^{H8085} not, and in whose mouth^{H6310} are no reproofs^{H8433}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Psalms 38:14

Psalm 38 is a penitential psalm attributed to King David, traditionally believed to have been written during a time of severe illness or deep personal distress. The themes of this psalm include suffering, guilt, and repentance. In verse 14, the psalmist expresses a profound sense of isolation and helplessness, likening himself to "a man that heareth not," suggesting that he feels unresponsive or numb to his surroundings, and "in whose mouth [are] no reproofs," indicating that he is unable or unwilling to speak out in his own defense or to offer correction to others.

This verse reflects the psalmist's internal struggle with his own sinfulness and the resulting alienation he experiences from both God and his community. His affliction has rendered him speechless, either because he acknowledges his guilt and feels unworthy to speak, or because his suffering has left him physically or emotionally incapacitated. Historically, this passage would resonate with those experiencing personal or spiritual crises, reminding them of the human tendency to withdraw and become unresponsive during times of deep anguish or contrition.

In the broader context of the psalm, David is crying out to God for mercy and healing, recognizing that his suffering is a consequence of his own actions. Psalm 38:14, therefore, captures the essence of humility and submission before God, as the psalmist accepts his condition as a disciplinary measure and longs for reconciliation and restoration. It speaks to the human condition, highlighting the need for divine intervention in times of distress and the importance of introspection and repentance in the face of personal failings.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H376
   There are 1507 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אִישׁ
   Transliteration: ʼîysh
   Pronunciation: eesh
   Description: contracted for אֱנוֹשׁ (or perhaps rather from an unused root meaning to be extant); a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation); also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare אִשָּׁה.
   
2. Strong's Number: H8085
   There are 1072 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שָׁמַע
   Transliteration: shâmaʻ
   Pronunciation: shaw-mah'
   Description: a primitive root; to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.); [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness.
   
3. Strong's Number: H6310
   There are 460 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: פֶּה
   Transliteration: peh
   Pronunciation: peh
   Description: from פָּאָה; the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with preposition) according to; accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word.
   
4. Strong's Number: H8433
   There are 28 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: תּוֹכֵחָה
   Transliteration: tôwkêchâh
   Pronunciation: to-kay-khaw'
   Description: and תּוֹכַחַת; from יָכַח; chastisement; figuratively (by words) correction, refutation, proof (even in defence); argument, [idiom] chastened, correction, reasoning, rebuke, reproof, [idiom] be (often) reproved.